Hollywood Bowl

Rolling Stone magazine rated the Hollywood Bowl the No. 3 Best Concert Venue in the world and until I go to No. 1 (Budokon) and No. 2 (Red Rocks), I'll agree. My hubby and I are avid concert fans, and we average about 15 concerts a year. The Hollywood Bowl is an iconic venue for many reasons, but the sound, atmosphere and ambiance can't be beat, especially during the summer when the Bowl becomes the home to the LA Phil.

The summer concerts offer a little bit of everything for all concert goers. From world music to top talent like Gwen Stefani or classics like John Fogerty, the lineup is sure to please the harshest of critics. Of course for fans of classical music, the weekday line up has them covered with the LA Philharmonic.

Unlike most concert venues, patrons are permitted to take their own food and beverage (alcohol included) during Bowl-hosted events. (Food is permitted at all times, minus the alcohol for leased events. However, alcohol is premitted on the grounds before entering venue. Plenty of areas for picnicking are available without entering the venue itself).

Patrons can picnic at one of the many picnic areas inside the Bowl or outside before the ticket entrance. Whether one prefers a charcuterie or a full-blown dinner, it's a welcome aspect of concert going at this iconic venue. Think of it as tailgating, minus the hibachi grills and hot dogs. Insider tip: gates open one hour prior to the start of the opening act. Get there early when concerts are sold out as it will be a struggle to find a picnic table.

Now, the Bowl is called the Bowl for a reason. The stage itself is built like a half bowl against tucked away against the Hollywood Hills. That in itself contributes to the incredible sound from the perfectly tuned LA Phil or artists accompanied by the Phil or their own band. While the bowl has a seating capacity of close to 20K, the sound is top-notch anywhere from the box seats to the nosebleed section which I've been told is the section to be in. (We're usually in the box seats section, but have sat as far up as section R and the sound was as fabulous).

Seeing a concert in the box sections is a must for any concert aficionado. I highly recommend splurging for your fave artist. It's worth it. The seats are first rate and the service is also noteworthy. Box seat patrons can order food from the Wolfgang Puck restaurant on-site and have it served at a chosen time right at your seat. Plus, ushers set up the table for patrons using a level which is a must unless one wants a lopsided table. Once dinner is done, ushers take the trash away and undo the table so everyone in the box can watch the concert without the discomfort of a table I the middle of the seats. One need not order from the restaurant as patrons can also dine their own food from home or elsewhere.

Lastly, did I say the sound is everything! Imagine listening to your favorite artist at home but better. The sound is sharp, loud but not overly loud and perfectly mixed. It is perfection! If anything is perfect in Hollywood it's the sound at the Hollywood Bowl!

If you're a tourist who loves live music, you owe it to yourself 6o see a concert here. If you're a local who enjoys live music, do your part to support the local businesses and art. It's a magical experience. Note for locals or non: do NOT drive there. Instead take one of the many shuttles since parking at the Bowl is stacked only and $35 vs $6/pp for the shuttle. Yes, you'll have to endure a 20-1 hour bus ride (depending on location), but it's much better than being stuck in the parking lot at the Bowl for hours. Don't learn the hard way. Enjoy!